5 Best Bed
best bed-in-a-box
Ready to buy now? Shop the best:
- Best of the Best: Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress
- Best Bang for the Buck: DreamCloud 12″ King Mattress
- Trusted Brand: Purple 9.25″ Mattress
- Tension Relief: Casper Sleep Memory Foam Mattress
- Best for Hot Sleepers: ZINUS Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress
Buying a mattress is no longer a task that you must do in person in a store. As online commerce has expanded, it has become easier to buy a mattress online. This includes a bed-in-a-box.
What is a bed-in-a-box? It’s exactly as it sounds: a bed rolled up into a compact box. You might be wondering what the benefits are of buying a bed-in-a-box over a traditional mattress. There are three primary reasons why you might consider a bed-in-a-box the next time you need a new mattress.
First, you don’t have to go to a store to buy one. They can be ordered online. Most bed-in-a-box mattresses fit just about any frame or surface. Second, the mattress is delivered to your door via standard shipping. This can be a lot faster than waiting around for a store to deliver it to you. Third, bed-in-a-box mattresses tend to be a lot more affordable than standard mattresses.
Because of the lower price of most bed-in-a-box mattresses, a common question arises: Are they as good as standard mattresses? They often have a quality build and many premium features. For example, our top pick, the Puffy Lux Mattress, has advanced cooling technology, motion isolation and a cradling effect for superior back and neck support.
Bed-in-a-box mattresses come in many sizes and with varying levels of support and softness. No matter what type of sleeping surface you prefer, we think you can find one in our guide that would help you get a good night’s sleep and leave you feeling refreshed in the morning.
What to know before buying a bed-in-a-box
Setup
Although ordering a bed-in-a-box online makes the purchase of a new mattress easier than going to the store, it also brings new protocols. The process of setting up a bed-in-a-box mattress is not the same as setting up a traditional mattress.
It’s important to open the mattress box in the room where you plan to use the mattress. This will help you avoid the hassle of lugging it around the house. Once you unroll the mattress, place it on the bed frame to “rest” for up to 72 hours. This doesn’t mean you can’t use it at that time. However, many bed-in-a-box mattresses do not fully expand right away, so you would probably not get an accurate idea of what the mattress is like until the initial 72-hour period passes.
Mattress size
Most bed-in-a-box mattresses come in standard mattress sizes of twin through California king. Your needs will dictate the size range you choose. Personal preference will dictate what you choose within that range. For example, if you know you need a larger mattress for you and your partner, you may choose between a queen, a king, or a California king.
Thickness
Bed-in-a-box mattresses come in a variety of thicknesses. As a general rule, the thicker the mattress, the less firm it will feel. Most popular bed-in-a-box mattresses come in the standard 10-inch-thick model. Others offer options ranging from 6 inches all the way up to 13 inches.
Mattress design
Bed-in-a-box mattresses are made of adaptive memory foam. Some consist of a single layer of memory foam; others have a base layer of more firm and supportive foam underneath. In addition, some manufacturers include a specialized top layer to keep the sleeper cool.
- Single-layer memory foam: A single-layer memory foam mattress is for sleepers who like a less-firm option. This is preferable for people who do not have issues with back pain and want a soft sleeping surface.
- Multi-layer foam: Some bed-in-a-box mattresses have a more firm sub-layer beneath the standard memory foam. This gives these mattresses additional back support above the basic level of a single layer of memory foam.
- Innerspring: These mattresses look similar to traditional coil spring mattresses. They have wrapped coil springs that offer a combination of support and motion diffusion. They tend to be slightly more firm than even multi-layer memory foam mattresses. This makes them suitable for consumers who need a little extra back support.
- Wrapped coil: Similar to innerspring mattresses, wrapped coil mattresses have internal coils that transfer the energy of your movements. What makes them different from innerspring mattresses is the thick foam pillow top, which creates a softer sleeping surface. These beds are almost like a combination of memory foam and innerspring. The overall experience is that of a soft-top surface that offers more give than firmness.
Organic materials
A number of bed-in-a-box manufacturers make mattresses at least partially from organic materials. Some are 100% organic Dunlop latex. This is a highly dense material made from the sap underneath the rubber tree. No toxins or chemicals are added during production. Others incorporate 100% natural cotton to make the mattress breathable and soft.
Although both of these mattress materials have been used for decades, organic mattresses have gained popularity in recent years. Natural cashmere has been added to some bed-in-a-box mattresses as an organic alternative to synthetic latex. It has a similar breathable quality to cotton.
Temperature control
Some memory foam mattresses have their own temperature-control gel which keeps the sleeper cool during warm nights. Similar to an ice pack when broken, temperature control gel reacts to motion, cooling almost instantly when motion causes movement of the internal gel. This keeps you cool throughout the night, continually activating as you turn in bed.
Mattress cover
A few bed-in-a-box mattresses come with an additional protective mattress cover. These covers help keep the mattress clean and offer a cooler sleeping surface under the sheet. They are similar to standard mattress covers in that they cover the whole mattress and zip up. Many are made of a vinyl composite material, which offers some cooling relief while you sleep.
FAQ
Q. Is a bed-in-a-box as comfortable as a traditional mattress?
A. Yes, provided you choose the mattress with the type of support you need. Bed-in-a-box mattresses are available in multiple formats, which is why it’s a good idea to read the specs carefully — and to know what kind of mattress suits you best — before you buy one. Bed-in-a-box mattresses are made with quality materials and designed to offer a comfortable sleeping surface.
Q. Will I need a box spring for my bed-in-a-box?
A. Although you do not have to use a box spring with your bed-in-a-box, you may wish to do so. It depends on your bed frame configuration. Those who want to have more “give” in their sleeping situation usually find that a box spring is not as rigid as a metal or wood bed frame.
Q. Is a bed-in-a-box cheaper than a traditional mattress?
A. Bed-in-a-box mattresses are often less expensive than their traditional counterparts. This is because they are made of more pliable materials that allow for long-distance shipping at a reasonable price.
Q. How much does a bed-in-a-box cost?
A. Single-layer memory foam mattresses cost $100 to $300, while multi-layered ones can range from $300 to $600, depending on size. Some advanced-engineered memory foam and hybrid mattresses can cost up to $1,000, depending on materials and build quality.